Social Science
The Complex Ethical Codes of Anti-Vaxxers
New research finds that vaccine skeptics possess an unusual mix of ethical beliefs that defy the traditional left-right divide.
What Research Says About Sticking to New Year's Resolutions
If nothing else, there's comfort in knowing most people will fall short of their goals.
The Pacific Standard Guide to Gift Giving
Panicked about some last-minute Christmas shopping? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
New Research Suggests That Government Spending Can Spread Happiness
Want a content citizenry? Try allocating tax dollars to roads, parks, and libraries.
Fear of Disloyalty Drives Anti-Immigrant Bias
New research finds that majority-group members are wary of newcomers who hold dual identities.
Intolerant Cultures Thrive Closer to the Equator
New research finds that ethnocentrism and political oppression are more prevalent in the southern part of the Northern Hemisphere, and vice-versa.
Microdosing May Increase Creativity
A small study from the Netherlands finds that a few grams of hallucinogenic truffles can stimulate the imagination.
Sexual Harassment and Assault Are Understudied Health Risks
They're linked to high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression.
Some of the Best Data on Human Behavior Is Privately Held by Social Media Companies
How can universities convince them to share that information?
In the Latest Effort to Replicate Scientific Studies, Only 62 Percent Hold Up Under Scrutiny
Nevertheless, scientists see some progress on the problem of reproducibility.
How to Tackle Conspiracy Theories in Politics
Americans' beliefs about politics are as inaccurate and bizarre as ever. Is there a way to fix that?
Facebook Is Planning on Turning Its Data Over to Social Scientists. Should Users Trust the Project?
We spoke with social-science ethicists about how well Facebook's initiative appears to protect users' privacy. They're skeptical, but still eager to see Facebook data studied.
Revisiting the Marshmallow Test
New research finds kids' ability to delay gratification is influenced by the norms of their peer group.
Why a Census Undercount Spells Trouble for Social Scientists
Social science groups say a citizenship question could lead to population data flaws that compromise research for a decade.
Why Did the National Science Foundation Propose Slashing Its Own Social Science Budget?
Social science advocates and Democratic lawmakers suggest the White House was behind the NSF's proposed budget slashes.
The Humanities Are Dead. Long Live the Humanities.
It's true that much of the scholarship that professors in the humanities produce is micro-focused and barely relevant to larger social concerns. But those academics would also be best served by ignoring that critique.
Trump's Election Made Bigotry More Acceptable
New research offers a disturbing case study in shifting social norms.
How Terror Attacks on Public Places Can Spark Public Anxiety
Attacks like the one in New York City can alter people's psychology and their politics.
Six 'Pacific Standard' Stories to Read for Mental Illness Awareness Week
A round-up of some of our best stories highlighting the need for reform in mental-heath policy.
Why We've Been Thinking About Madness All Wrong: A Conversation With David Dobbs
The acclaimed writer talks with Pacific Standard about the new scientific consensus around psychosis treatments—and the scholar-advocate he profiled for his new story in our October issue.
Since We Last Spoke: Saving Social Science
Updates to past Pacific Standard stories.
A Fix for Social Science
Drawing on experience, one pair of young social scientists offer a way to cut down on mistakes in their field.
What the 2015 MacArthur Fellows Are Up to
The latest scientists to win the "genius grants" are learning about the brain, turning sewage into useful stuff, and everything in between.
What Happens When Social Scientists Critique Their Peers' Work?
Polite entrenchment, at least in one recent case.